Times of Trenton Letters to the Editor - Sept. 3

Do what it takes to get Trenton under control

“It’s out of control,” said Trenton City Council President George Muschal (“A.G.: Plan to bolster city police in motion even as shots rang out,” Aug.16).

You bet it is. How many more people, especially innocent bystanders, have to lose their lives on Trenton’s streets before it’s brought under control? I think it’s time to bring in the Marines. It sounds cruel, but it’s not nearly as cruel as what’s been going on far too long in a city that was once a decent and safe place to work and live.

Law-abiding and peace-loving citizens would like to have Trenton restored to the way it was at least 50 years ago. Incarceration and rehabilitation are not effective. Much stronger tactics are needed.

-- Marie Toscano,
Hamilton

Assembly has the power to advance preservation funding

I was pleased to read “Seeking greener pastures — Hopewell farm adds to preserved land” (Aug. 27), Nicole Mulvaney’s recent story celebrating the conservation and preservation of 86 acres of open space in Hopewell Township.

This is a great example of what can be accomplished when public and private organizations come together to leverage dollars to save land, protect wildlife and safeguard our water supply.

As noted in the story, a portion of the funding for this preservation project came from the state’s Green Acres program.

Unfortunately, funding for Green Acres is running dry and without action by the state Assembly this year, this critical program will be left to wither on the vine.

That is why we are encouraging Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver to move forward with legislation that will create a sustainable funding source for Green Acres as well as for the state’s Blue Acres and Farmland and Historic Preservation programs.

The Senate has passed the legislation twice this summer. It is now time for the Assembly to act so that New Jersey can continue its proud preservation legacy.

If not, New Jersey residents will have fewer opportunities to enjoy the parks, trails and open spaces they have long valued.

Community gave children wondrous place to play

I wish to express my joy at reading The Times’ editorial “Recreation re-creation” (Aug. 26). The article vividly describes the opening of Roberto Clemente Park, located right across from the Trenton Fire Department headquarters, on Perry Street. I read how a mural of sunflowers rose high above the welcoming little oasis with its garden, pool and playground for children.

As a school psychologist for many years, I regularly questioned the parents of children referred to me about the joys and sorrows of the child’s early years. I now think about how positively a community can affect the lives of their children by providing such fine facilities.

-- Adele Vexler, MSW,
Pennington

Catch the buzz about bee bills

According to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, more than 80 percent of U.S. food crops are pollinated by honeybees. In the Garden State, pollination is crucial for its blueberry, cranberry, pumpkin, squash, strawberry, peach and apple crops. Yet the public knows very little about the importance of the honeybee — the state’s official insect – and other bee species, to our food supply.

During the last several years, however, both the honeybee and native bee populations have been on the decline for various reasons, including habitat loss and disease. Since these insects are crucial to our state’s agriculture industry, I have recently introduced a package of bills to protect the state’s commercial and recreational bee industry.

The first bill, A4261, extends “right-to-farm” protections to commercial beekeepers to protect them from nuisance complaints. The second, A4262, protects hobbyist beekeepers by authorizing the state to regulate the keeping of beehives and requiring the state to prepare best management practices for them. The last, A4263, calls for a fine of up to $500 for each offense for the intentional destruction of a manmade native bee hive.

These measures are an attempt to educate the public about the importance of bees to our food chain while providing additional protections to the Garden State’s nearly 3,000 commercial and hobbyist beekeepers.

It is my hope my colleagues in the Legislature will take action on these bills sooner rather than later, as these much-needed regulations will help this often misunderstood insect thrive in New Jersey.

-- Ron Dancer,
Cream Ridge
The writer, a Republican, represents the 12th District in the New Jersey General Assembly.

Best of care in heart of Trenton

Having been a Chambersburg resident all my life, I would be remiss if I did not express my deepest respect and admiration for the entire staff of medical professionals at the heart hospital at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton. I thank them all.

For starters, last January, Dr. Muhammad Mustafa performed the first successful procedure on my blocked heart artery. Two weeks later, medical director Dr. Fredric Seinfeld, along with surgeon Mark Anderson, M.D., performed the second successful procedure, replacing a heart valve.

The excellent care I received from the nursing staff 24/7 and the physical therapy group at the hospital were second to none. They truly are the best.

I’m proud to be a Trentonian and I am most grateful for the life-saving care I received at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton.

-- “Chambersburg” Johnny Macciocca,
Trenton

ALEC influence infiltrates New Jersey

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is an extremely conservative organization whose primary objective is to offer advice and suggestions on the writing of bills that are then used by state legislators throughout the nation. Its purpose in providing these “model bills” is to increase additional tax breaks for corporations and the very wealthy.

ALEC’s members are lawmakers here in New Jersey and throughout the nation. Gov. Chris Christie supports the ideology of ALEC.

A new report by the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) identified and analyzed 466 ALEC bills introduced in 2013 in states across the country, including New Jersey. It states that “these bills turn back the clock on prosperity and progress for all Americans.”

ALEC’S corporate board includes Tea Party founders Charles and David Koch, who have complete control over the “New Republican Party.” Because of their money and influence, state lawmakers have written business-friendly legislation with no regard for the public welfare and public interest.

ALEC has supplied some of the dominant legislative proposals not only in New Jersey, but also in North Carolina, Wisconsin, Colorado, Michigan and Maine. These bills roll back union benefits, create tougher voter-registration laws and decrease environmental regulations, all of which create spin-off to services in the private sector.

It is time for Gov. Christie to understand that ALEC is not the answer, but rather the problem. If our governor is the forward-thinking man he wants the people of New Jersey to believe he is, then it is time for him to show true leadership and stand against ALEC and, instead, stand up for the people of New Jersey.